Steele,M (2007). Teaching Science to Students with Learning Differences. The Science Teacher. 24-27
Teaching Science to Students with Learning Differences
This article starts with mentioning legislation, such as No Child Left Behind and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and the importance of accomodating students in the general education classroom. The article states some characteristics of students who have learning differences and gives examples of how to modify instruction to help them achieve academically. The first step in being successful in teaching science to students with learning problems is to become familiar with different characteristics of the disorder. Some disorders include, but are not limited to, communication disorders (CD), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD), and learning disabilities (LD). Next, teaching and learning strategies are suggested to help these students in science classes. Collaboration among teachers is a good starting point in designing instruction to meet students needs. One strategy to improve motivation in science class is to help students set goals, goals help students focus on achieving. Different teaching styles are also reccomended. "Personalizing" science lessons and varying instruction will help students succeed. Teaching learning strategies to students is important to help them study science: reviewing vocabulary, reviewing the textbook structure, and helping students organize their notes.
Using mnemonics is mentioned, this helps students to recall content. Also mentioned was the importance of visual displays to help clarify complex topics. Finally, relating content to the real world helps students process information and understand it better.
I chose this article to review because of the importance of educating science students who learn differently. Since all students are required to take core science courses it is important to modify lessons for the students with learning problems. The strategies that were described in this article have been addressed in some of my education courses that I have taken. I believe that it is important to stay on top of new ideas to assist students with learning problems. I realize that science may be very overwhelming for any kind of student, not just the ones with learning differences. These strategies and techniques will hopefully make science easier to learn and teach.
Teaching Science to Students with Learning Differences
This article starts with mentioning legislation, such as No Child Left Behind and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and the importance of accomodating students in the general education classroom. The article states some characteristics of students who have learning differences and gives examples of how to modify instruction to help them achieve academically. The first step in being successful in teaching science to students with learning problems is to become familiar with different characteristics of the disorder. Some disorders include, but are not limited to, communication disorders (CD), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD), and learning disabilities (LD). Next, teaching and learning strategies are suggested to help these students in science classes. Collaboration among teachers is a good starting point in designing instruction to meet students needs. One strategy to improve motivation in science class is to help students set goals, goals help students focus on achieving. Different teaching styles are also reccomended. "Personalizing" science lessons and varying instruction will help students succeed. Teaching learning strategies to students is important to help them study science: reviewing vocabulary, reviewing the textbook structure, and helping students organize their notes.
Using mnemonics is mentioned, this helps students to recall content. Also mentioned was the importance of visual displays to help clarify complex topics. Finally, relating content to the real world helps students process information and understand it better.
I chose this article to review because of the importance of educating science students who learn differently. Since all students are required to take core science courses it is important to modify lessons for the students with learning problems. The strategies that were described in this article have been addressed in some of my education courses that I have taken. I believe that it is important to stay on top of new ideas to assist students with learning problems. I realize that science may be very overwhelming for any kind of student, not just the ones with learning differences. These strategies and techniques will hopefully make science easier to learn and teach.
Teaching Science to Students with Learning Diffferences
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